CAW 2002 (Air Canada) picket lines June 14, 2011

Issue: CAW Local 2002 members at Air Canada will hit the picket lines at Calgary and Edmonton International Airports on the morning of Tuesday, June 14

Actions Requested: Join the picket lines to show your support for workers as they attempt to get a fair contract from Air Canada

When: Between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 14

Issue:

Air Canada employees have seen a substantial deterioration in compensation and working conditions over the last decade, with real wages after inflation declining to the tune of more than $10,000 per year in purchasing power for members of CAW Local 2002.

Despite this drop in earning power and working with 45-per-cent fewer staff, productivity has soared by 75 per cent – thanks to the efforts of hard-working and dedicated employees. Indeed, Air Canada has won multiple awards for quality service.

Now, with Air Canada recovering from turbulent economic times and reporting financial success, the company has chosen to attack its workers, demanding concessions on pensions, on outsourcing and on part-time work.

While asking employees and their families to tighten their belts – again - Air Canada CEO Calvin Rovinescu enjoyed a 76-per-cent raise last year, with his earnings at $4.55 million. On top of that, he gets more in share appreciation and will be paid a $5-million "retention bonus" in March 2012.

CAW Local 2002 is fighting the attempt to slash the pension plan for existing and future workers and to create a two-tier workforce – and it needs your help. Join them on the picket lines at Calgary and Edmonton International Airports between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14. In Edmonton, you report to the Gulf Stream Room, Executive Royal Inn, 8450 Sparrow Drive, Leduc. In Calgary, report to the Otter Room, Acclaim Hotel, 123 Freeport Boulevard NE, Calgary.

Now that Air Canada is financially successful, it's time to share that success with the workers who have helped them to achieve it. It's only fair.